Snow Days

"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but out of their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:2–4)

We now live in the last days, perilous days that grow worse by the day. Jesus said this would happen before His return. Paul instructed young Timothy as he embarked on his calling to preach God's Word, to stand firm in the truths he learned, and boldly proclaim God's message. He told him the godly in Christ would suffer persecution, and the wicked would "wax worse and worse," looking for teachers who would tickle their ears with what they wanted to hear, disregarding the faithful preacher of the Word. Paul urged Timothy's readiness in and out of every season; preparedness was essential to refute false teachers and teachings, reprimand the sinners refusing to turn from their sinful ways, and encourage those struggling. He was to take full advantage of every opportunity to minister, and if there was none, strive to make one. Eternity awaited, and the Judge was standing nearby.

As Christians, we, like Timothy, are God's ministers with the message to proclaim that Jesus saves. But the time for God's redeeming grace is quickly ending, so we must be diligent to spread the Word and His love. We must be ready, alert always, and walk carefully in God's truths we've learned. Like snow days in the South, the unexpected can happen at any time with little or no warning; life's circumstances take us by surprise, and ministry opportunities await, so readiness is always crucial.